Kashii Maru Class Auxiliary Seaplane Tenders


(NOTORO by Takeshi Yuki scanned from "Color Paintings of Japanese Warships")

The KASHII MARU Class consisted of the KASHII, KONGO, KIYOSUMI, KAGU and KINUGASA MARUs. The KASHII MARU was requisitioned from her owner by the IJA while the KONGO and KIYOSUMI MARUs were requisitioned by the IJN and converted to armed merchant cruisers.

In 1937, the merchants KAGU and KINUGASA MARUs were requisitioned by the IJN and ordered converted to seaplane tenders. Both tenders were in operation in 1938. Before the start of the Pacific War, the KAGU and KINUGASA MARUs were rerated transports.

Builder and Year Completed: KAGU MARU: Harima Shipbuilding, 1936
KINUGASA MARU: Kawasaki, Kobe, 1936
Displacement: KAGU MARU, 6807-tons, KINUGASA MARU, 8,407-tons .
Dimensions: KAGU MARU 453’ x 61 x 31; KINUGASA MARU 456’ x 61’ x 30’
Propulsion: 2 Mitsubishi-Sulzer diesels, 2 shaft, 16, 0600 shp.
Armament: 2 x 5.9-inch, 2 x 13mm MG
Conversion: Aft well deck fitted with two 56' catapults, cranes fitted to recover aircraft.
Aircraft: 8 Type 95 Kawanishi E8N “Dave” 2 seat reconnaissance float biplanes, 4 Type 0 Aichi E13A1 "Jakes" .